The course is six hours and costs $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers (members must bring their AARP cards). Throughout November, veterans and spouses can take the class at no cost. Contact class instructors at the numbers above for details.

This is a six-class program (no classes during the week of Thanksgiving), conducted by an instructor with Dog Gone Solutions.

The cost is $110. Preregistration is required. Call (352) 754-4031 or (727) 841-7297, or visit doggonesolutions.com.

BROOKSVILLE

Animal Services lowers adoption fees

As part of Adopt a Shelter Pet Month, Hernando County Animal Services has reduced the adoption fee for all dogs and cats to $20 (plus a $15 refundable sterilization deposit for intact pets) through the end of October.

The shelter, at 19450 Oliver St., is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Visit the website at hernandocounty.us/code/animal/adopt.asp or call (352) 796-5062.

SHADY HILLS

Event raises funds for Bike MS Tour riders

A fundraiser for Team Noble Riders, which will participate in the two-day Bike MS Tour: 2012, will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 4 at Strong Tower Vineyards, 17810 Forge Drive.

The event will include a light buffet and wine tasting. Several prizes will be raffled, including a round of golf at the Kissimmee Golf Club.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Call (813) 421-4538 or send e-mail to noble_riders@yahoo.com.

WEEKI WACHEE

Club has a variety of firearms classes

The Hernando Sportsman's Club will offer the following classes at its facility at 16121 Commercial Way, north of Weeki Wachee:

• Firearms safety class, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 2. Includes the basics of firearm safety around the home, and the fundamentals of pistol shooting. There will also be practice time on the range. Completion of this class provides the required documentation to apply for a Florida concealed carry permit. The cost is $50. Another class will be offered Nov. 19.

• NRA basic instructor training, 4 to 10 p.m. Nov. 4. Instructor candidates must possess and demonstrate a solid background in firearm safety and shooting skills, and be intimately familiar with each action type in the discipline for which they wish to be certified. The training includes NRA policies and procedures, basic public speaking skills, training methodology, use of a training team and training aids, organizing a course, building a budget and preparing to teach. The cost is $100, which includes a copy of the NRA trainer's guidebook.

• NRA rifle instructor course, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 5 and 12. This is a two-day course in which students learn to teach safe gun handling, ammunition knowledge, the fundamentals of rifle shooting and how to improve the performance of beginning rifle shooters. Candidates must pass an exam with a score of at least 90 percent, and receive endorsement of the training counselor for certification. Prerequisites include completion of both the basic rifle and basic instructor training classes; the BIT training must have been completed within the past two years. The cost is $300.

All class sizes are limited, and preregistration is required. Call (352) 597-9931.

BROOKSVILLE

Art classes for all levels at center

A continuing art series of classes will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting Nov. 1, at the Hernando County Mining Association Enrichment Center, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd.

• Still Life classes, in charcoal, will be on Tuesdays. The course includes an introduction to charcoal drawing, drawing techniques and various art exercises.

• Landscape classes, using charcoal, will be on Thursdays. The course offers an introduction to perspective drawing, various drawing techniques and some outdoor drawing (weather permitting).

Students of all levels are welcome. The cost for each class is $60 for enrichment center members and $75 for nonmembers. Basic art supplies are included. Class size is 12 students.

For information or to register for a class, contact Mairead Colbath at malcolbath@gmail.com, or call (352) 544-5900.

SPRING HILL

Workshops ease holiday bereavement

Free 90-minute holiday bereavement workshops will be offered from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 3 and again on Dec. 13 at HPH Hospice, 12260 Cortez Blvd.

The workshops, led by an HPH Hospice bereavement counselor, will provide tips on coping with grief during the holiday season.

The 16th annual Pioneer Day Festival will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 5 at Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, north of Brooksville.

The event, hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will include pioneer demonstrations, games, crafts and various family activities. Food will be available from Cut Away Cafe. Music will be provided by the Dynamite Dulcimites and the Hernando County Sharecroppers.

Admission to the event is free. Parking will be off-site at the Withlacoochee Training Center, 240 Childs Road (off U.S. 41, 2 miles north of Lake Lindsey Road). Bus transportation will be provided to and from the event.

For information, call (352) 754-6722.

SPRING HILL

Church to hold yard sale on grounds

Mariner United Methodist Church will have a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 4 and 5 on church grounds, 7079 Mariner Blvd.

A variety of items will be sold, including Christmas and boutique items, jewelry, books, clothing, shoes, purses, linens, household items, toys, furniture and more. Hot dogs, sausages, doughnuts, drinks and baked goods will also be available.

For information, call (352) 596-0080.

BROOKRIDGE

Veterans Day dance will rock clubhouse

Brookridge Social Dance will host a Veterans Day dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St.

Music will be provided by Short Notice Duo. Guests may bring their own refreshments; ice and coffee will be provided. Dunkin' Donuts will be served at about 9:30 p.m., following a 50/50 raffle.

Tickets are $5. Call Dot at (352) 597-0723.

HERNANDO BEACH

VFW Ladies Auxiliary raffle, auction Nov. 12

The Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9236 will host a raffle and auction at 1 p.m. Nov. 12 at the post, 3435 Shoal Line Blvd. Doors open at 11 a.m.

Tickets are 20 for $5. Numerous raffle prizes will be awarded. The event will also include a live auction for items of greater value. All prizes are new.

Complimentary refreshments will be served.

This is the auxiliary's main fundraiser, to continue the group's support of veterans and their families, as well as community contributions. For information, call Nancy at (352) 688-7122.

Jenkins is known for discovering Julia Roberts and casting actors for movies such as Harry Potter, Godfather II, When Harry Met Sally, Transformers, A Beautiful Mind and others. She will share behind-the-scenes secrets on how to get a job in the movies.

Participants will each present either a 1-minute monologue or 2-minute scene (three actors maximum).

The cost is $25 for Stage West members and $35 for nonmembers. Observers are welcome for $25.

This is a fundraising event for Stage West. Proceeds will help sustain the local community theater. For information or to reserve a spot, call (352) 683-5113 or send e-mail to Morgan Reid at marvelkel@aol.com.